Steelers Injury Updates: TE Pat Freiermuth Did Not Practice Wednesday, Kevin Rader Returns to Work

PITTSBURGH — Tight end Pat Freiermuth did not practice for the Steelers on Wednesday as the team began its preparations for the Kansas City Chiefs at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side.

Freiermuth remains in the NFL concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head from Tennessee Titans defensive back Kristian Fulton on Sunday. Fulton was penalized for the hit and Freiermuth did not return to the game.

Without Freiermuth, and with co-starter Eric Ebron on injured reserve, Zach Gentry has been elevated to the team’s No. 1 tight end.

The Steelers did get some good news at the position, as fourth-string tight end Kevin Rader was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice after missing the Titans game with a hip injury.

Gentry and Rader seem likely to serve as a 1-2 combination at tight end for the Steelers against the Chiefs on Sunday if Freiermuth can’t return. The team also has the option of calling Jace Sternberger up from the practice squad to help fill the spot.